Chautauqua Rails to Trails (CR2T) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that ties 24 miles of multi-use trail from northern to southern Chautauqua County.  Sherman is the southern trailhead transecting the I-86 corridor and the point for the developing connection to the greater Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail.  The Rosie Billquist Trail is the section of the CR2T within the Village of Sherman.  The development, safety, surfacing, and accessibility of this trail is vital to the community’s vision of creating a walkable and bikeable community, in providing opportunities to experience the French Creek natural asset and green spaces, and attracting eco-tourism to Sherman’s downtown while achieving the coveted Trail Town Designation furthering proven economic growth through eco-tourism around trails in the Chautauqua County region.

The NY Forward Award will greatly support the Village of Sherman’s Complete Streets Initiative with trail and parks improvements in creating an Autism Nature Trail connecting the We Rock the Spectrum – Sherman sensory gym to the adjacent Chautauqua Rails to Trails (CR2T) system, surfacing of the Rosie Billquist Trail (CR2T) for ADA accessibility, and the proposed bridge to safely cross the state highway at the east gateway into the Village, making the multi-use trail available to all ages and abilities.